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Graduation levels hold the line

The class of 2013 has tossed its caps and left the halls of academia—hopefully to jobs that fulfill hearts, minds and the demands of student loans. The numbers, no surprise, tell us that with each new class there are more veterinarians. But this year’s gain was marginal.

Overall, class size increased just 1 percent from 2012 to 2013. Colorado State and Iowa State nabbed the top spot for largest graduating class, with 141 students. Although the University of Missouri increased class size the most, with a 46 percent jump, the University of Tennessee saw a decrease of 17 percent. Tuition costs varied from a pricey $303,133 all-in at private Western University to a comparatively affordable Iowa State at approximately $36,873 for an in-state student’s four years of just tuition and fees.

Yet it may be the early statistics on the class of 2017 to note most closely. Based on schools reporting, the number of veterinary graduates in four years is poised to jump 18 percent from this year’s total. It looks like only six of the now 30 accredited U.S. veterinary colleges will have class sizes under 100 students.

This collection of data is a snapshot of the class of 2013 and a glimpse into the future as universities grapple to meet the ever-increasing financial demands of educating the next generation of veterinarians entering a profession that is—at times—skeptical that the current academic model is sustainable.